New Books in Economics

Júlia Király, an associate professor in Budapest and former deputy governor of the Hungarian National Bank, shares her frontline experiences during Hungary's financial turmoil. She discusses how Viktor Orbán's government challenged central bank independence post-crisis and the alarming parallels with global political shifts, particularly regarding Donald Trump's influence on democracy. Király highlights the importance of transparent decision-making within central banks and the ongoing struggle to restore investor confidence amidst political chaos in Hungary.

Patrick Condon, the James Taylor chair in Landscape and Livable Environments at the University of British Columbia, shares insights from his book on urban land speculation and inequality. He discusses how land has evolved into a speculative asset, significantly impacting housing costs. Condon critiques conventional solutions to the housing crisis and advocates for land value taxation and inclusionary zoning as bold strategies to reclaim urban space for the common good. He also reflects on Henry George's legacy and his proposals for addressing these pressing urban issues.

Maron E. Greenleaf, a cultural anthropologist and political ecologist at Dartmouth, dives deep into green capitalism in the Brazilian Amazon. She discusses the complexities of forest carbon offsets, revealing how they serve both ecological and economic purposes. Greenleaf also highlights the intertwined history of rubber tapping and colonialism, along with the socio-economic dynamics driving deforestation. Her insights showcase the intriguing yet challenging relationships between local communities, biodiversity, and the evolving landscape of environmental policy.

Darryl Campbell, author of "Fatal Abstraction" and former tech employee at Amazon and Uber, dives into the dangers of managerialism in tech. He critiques how the focus on short-term profits compromises product safety and ethical standards, using alarming examples like the Boeing 737 MAX. Campbell advocates for empowering engineers over financially driven managerial decisions, while also unpacking the misconceptions surrounding AI. He emphasizes a need for transparency in corporate communication and the role of whistleblowers in fostering an ethical culture.

Ruth Braunstein, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut, dives into the moral complexities of taxpaying in America. She discusses how different groups—from antiwar activists to tax resisters—view taxes as both a civic duty and a source of moral conflict. Braunstein highlights the transformative power of taxation rituals and the broader societal implications, revealing how personal beliefs shape attitudes toward taxes. This enlightening conversation explores the intersection of ethics, civic engagement, and the diverse meanings behind 'my tax dollars'.

Sandra Matz, a David W. Zelaznik Associate Professor of Business at Columbia, dives into the intricate dynamics between human behavior and algorithms. She reveals how digital footprints can predict and influence our choices, exploring both the dangers of manipulation, as seen in scandals like Cambridge Analytica, and the potential for positive change in areas like mental health. Matz also discusses how algorithms can understand us better than close friends and the implications of this on our perception of free will and decision-making.

Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," discusses the troubling impact of Spotify on artists, particularly those in niche genres. Joined by Jozefien Vanharpe, a professor of intellectual property law, and Nick Yule, head of legal at AEPO Artis, they delve into how curated playlists benefit streaming services at the expense of musicians. The conversation also touches on the inequities in music revenue, the role of ghost artists, and the challenges faced by independent musicians in the digital age.

Laleh Khalili, a political science professor at the University of Exeter, delves into the hidden workings of extractive capitalism. She highlights how global trade, reliant on commodities like oil and sand, perpetuates inequality. The conversation reveals the struggles of seafarers from the Global South, contrasts yacht culture with extreme economic disparity, and critiques modern initiatives like Saudi Arabia's NEOM project. Khalili underscores the legacy of colonial exploitation, connecting past practices to contemporary extraction dynamics.

Jessica Smith, Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, shares her insights on engineering and public accountability in energy and mining. She reflects on her roots in coal country and discusses her book, 'Extracting Accountability.' Smith highlights the stereotypes surrounding engineers, the integration of social responsibility in engineering practices, and the challenges faced in mining and petroleum industries. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and community engagement in navigating the complex dynamics of energy transition and carbon management.

Nick Timiraos, the Chief Economics Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and known as the 'Fed whisperer,' dives into Jerome Powell's tumultuous tenure as the Federal Reserve Chair. He discusses how Powell navigated the pandemic's economic fallout and faced political scrutiny from President Trump. Timiraos provides insights into the Fed's influence on global markets and reflects on the challenges of maintaining monetary policy independence amid political pressures, especially in light of upcoming elections and public perceptions of the Fed's efficacy.